Understanding BOATs

[Bill]

Yes, this is the right forum

I've recently returned to the 4x4 fold and want to do a bit of greenlaning, but IIRC recently(ish) there was a bit of a furore over BOATs being closed. So how do I find out what's open and what's not?

Specifically the BOAT over Rollington Hill near Corfe Castle as it would make an entertaining "short cut" and I'd like to surprise SWMBO on the way to the shops

[Moulder]

Local authority would be a good place to start. Surrey have a map that shows where they are, and an accompanying PDF that lists any restrictions on them. There may be something similar down your way.

Not sure if it is a national thing, but here they have started restricting use in the winter months for 4x4's so that may also be something to consider.

[softtop]

For those not acquainted, Byways Open To All Traffic

The Council are the only people. They tend to have email alerts that they send out with updates. It is your responsibility to know what is closed even if it looks open.

[Bill]

Cheers, I'm currently battling the council's interactive map, you'd think they were being deliberately awkward

[100SRV]

I'd suggest your local Green Lane Association rep or use Trailwise as well as liasing with your local council's rights of way officer (often part of the countryside service now).

100SRV

[naffa]

BOATS... Byways Open To All Traffic, therefore all BOATS are legal to drive in any roadworthy and taxed vehicle.
The difficulty is in determining whether a route you may think is a BOAT or is shown on an OS map is actually listed with the relevant authority as a BOAT.
The best way to find out the status of a road is to visit the local authority and view the records for yourself.
A close second best is to look online at the local authorities website and see if it is listed there as a BOAT, though there is no guarantee of accuracy. Likewise using Trailwise is great but is no guarantee of beeing 100% accurate.

[Gafferjim]

naffa said:

BOATS... Byways Open To All Traffic, therefore all BOATS are legal to drive in any roadworthy and taxed vehicle.
Likewise using Trailwise is great but is no guarantee of beeing 100% accurate.

In theory you're correct, but unfortunately it's far from the truth. you are correct in saying that visiting the local authority is the best way to check, but if you can't, then Trailwise is the next best thing.

Whilst a lane may be marked on the OS map as a BOAT, many local authorities respond with a knee-jerk reaction to noises made by the *bobble-hat brigade* and they will put TRO's (Traffic Restriction Order) on routes that they believe there is a *problem* with 4x4/motorcycle use.
A number of good BOATS have recently been closed by TRO's this year alone, with others under threat.

I use the trailwise website to plan excursions, and have found it to be 99% accurate in the area's where we go. (You get a lot more information, and better searches if you are a member or GLASS or CRAG and register your membership number)

You must still use common sense, and if you arrive at a lane and there is an official looking sign put there by a local authority, then don't drive it, no matter what any website or map says.

One of the biggest reasons with lanes being lost to us, is due to vehicles going off-piste, or causing damage by driving the lanes when they're not fit to be driven on due to bad weather.

Edited by Gafferjim on Saturday 22 October 10:46